TRD's Lee White To Retire

Toyota Racing Development President Lee White announced today that he will retire at the end of the 2013 race season. Due to family health care needs, White will step down from his daily duties and will vacate the position of president and general manager of TRD, effective immediately. 

"I have been planning and working toward retirement at the end of this race season in December," he said. "I have been offered and accepted an opportunity to perform a reduced amount of duties from my home office. This generous arrangement afforded to us by the company will allow me to attend to personal family priorities." 

White has been with TRD for over 15 years and held responsibility for all TRD activities in North America, including: engine development, manufacturing, chassis design and development, team and manufacturer relationships, manufacturer and sanctioning body relations as well as engineering support for Toyota teams participating in National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), United States Auto Club (USAC), National Hot Rod Association, Grand-Am and Off-Road competition. 

Prior to joining Toyota in 1997, White began his career in racing with LeeCo Engineering as an owner, driver and engineer. He served as manager and engineer for Read Racing Engines and later became team manager and engineer for Herman Miller Porsche Racing. He has since held positions as general manager and engineer for Roush Racing, Rocketsports Racing and Newman Haas Racing. 

Throughout his career, White has participated in programs totaling approximately 1000 individual race victories and 250 championships.  He is also a private, instrument-rated pilot, aircraft tuner and holder of two U.S. National and World F.I.A. speed records. 

"Lee has contributed enormously to Toyota Motorsports in his 15 years with TRD,” said Toyota Group Vice President and General Manager Bill Fay. “His leadership has resulted in victories and championships in a broad spectrum of racing series. He's had an impressive career and his day-to-day leadership will be missed. We offer Lee and Lynn our support and best wishes." 

White will continue as a Special Advisor to TRD and Toyota Motorsports until his planned retirement at the end of the season. Assignment of his duties will be determined shortly.